YARMOUTH PORT, Mass., Nov. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The International Fund for Animal Welfare (www.ifaw.org) announced today a $250,000 grant from the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund to support  IFAW's efforts to rescue animals from disasters, and to assist IFAW and its partners to prepare their rescue personnel for emergencies.

"Disney has been a committed supporter in IFAW's mission to make the world better for animals," said Ian Robinson, IFAW Animal Rescue Director. "We look forward to continuing to work together and going wherever we are needed to help suffering animals."

For well over a decade, the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund (DWCF) has provided grants to help IFAW rescue and care for the animal victims of disasters, including after Hurricanes Sandy and Katrina, the Asian tsunami and Haiti earthquake.  Disney's support has helped the nonprofit protect animals big and small – from elephants and tigers to household pets.

"After a devastating storm like Hurricane Sandy, communities are faced with a shortage of resources," said Kim Sams, director of the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund. "We are proud to support IFAW, and know that animals affected by such disasters are receiving care from the compassionate staff while impacted neighborhoods can focus on rebuilding."

IFAW is a first responder for animals in distress in times of disasters. Its animal rescue team is currently deployed in New Jersey, helping to reunite families with the pets they were forced to leave behind because of Hurricane Sandy.

About IFAW (the International Fund for Animal Welfare)
Founded in 1969, IFAW rescues and protects animals around the world. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW rescues individual animals, works to prevent cruelty to animals, and advocates for the protection of wildlife and habitats. For more information, visit www.ifaw.org. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE International Fund for Animal Welfare